Like many a craft brewer, Anuj Kushwah returned to India, after living in London, with a thirst for the same quality and standard of beer. That’s how the idea of bringing British brand Witlinger to India, and brewing it in the country, came up. “We strictly follow the English standards of brewing and we stand for true and honest quality,” he tells us. The brand launched in Bengaluru recently with Wheat Ale and Premium Lager varieties. We speak to Anuj about what to expect:
Tell us about the eye-catching logo.
Witlinger has its origin in the UK. And so our logo is a British Bulldog. We think it conveys a strong
message of being bold, but at the same time, sophisticated.
What is your brewing process like?
We follow a strict British brewing process. Our hops and yeast are sourced directly from the UK, and we use imported German malt. Our beers are all natural and we do not add any adjunct; no shortcuts and cutting corners. We believe in honesty and our beers characterise that honesty. It is currently bottled in Raipur and Mysuru. Stocks in Bengaluru are from Mysuru brewery.
What are the taste profiles of the beer you offer?
The Witlinger Wheat Ale is infused with freshly crushed coriander seeds and sweet orange peel and has a zesty and fruity flavour. It is light and easy to drink at any time of the day. The Witlinger Premium Lager has a smooth, clean, and malty sweetness with hints of citrus and lemongrass.
What would they pair well with?
To be honest we don’t believe in food pairings. Beer needs to be enjoyed without getting influenced by food pairing. Of course people can eat while they drink but we do not have any recommendations. Let’s bring the beer back!
What do you think of the competition?
Competition is good for the craft beer industry. The greater the competition, the better it is for consumers to compare and evaluate their choice of beer. However, I don’t see much competition in bottled beers. I believe the market is ready for more bottled beer brands in India.
What can Bengalureans expect next from the brand?
We are currently working on launching the Witlinger Strong Craft variant. I can guarantee that this will be one of its kind.
Rs. 130 upwards. Available at pubs and retail outlets across the city
anagha@newindianexpress.com @anaghzzz